Kenyan unopposed in Clark marathon

CLARK, Pampanga – The country’s best could only watch from behind as Kenya’s Hillary Lagat, running his first full marathon, ruled the men’s division of the P1.8 million Clark Freeport International Marathon yesterday at the vast Clark Freeport Area.

Eduardo Buenavista, the RP record-holder, couldn’t keep up with the Kenyan as he quit at the latter part of the 42 km race. Cresenciano Sabal was left to carry the fight for the Filipinos, and did the next best thing: finish second.

Lagat, a tall, scrappy Kenyan, made his move just as Buenavista gave up the fight, and never looked back to overwhelm the rest of the contenders.

“I’m happy to win my first marathon. Filipinos are strong runners. Good thing the weather here is good, just like in Kenya,” said Lagat, a native of Mombasa who finished the race in two hours 26.29 minutes. He won $7,000.

Sabal lost steam in the final three kilometers but crossed the finish line just 19 seconds (2:26.48) behind the Kenyan champion who vowed to return next year to defend the crown.

For his effort, Sabal, the reigning Milo Marathon champion, received P150,000. Finishing third at 2:29.05 and winning P75,000 was fast-rising Juniel Laguido, a 24-year-old runner from Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Sabal’s younger brother Elmer, was fourth in 2:31.13 and will go home smiling and richer by P35,000.

In the distaff side, SEA Games bronze medalist Jho-An Banayag was the easy winner, posting a time of 3:02.51, exactly five minutes ahead of fellow veteran Christabel Martes. Flordeliza Carreon was third at 3:10.02.

They received the same prizes as their male counterparts.

“I’m planning to save my winnings here and maybe put up a small business,” said Banayag of her biggest purse which is almost four times the P75,000 she took for winning the 2005 Milo Marathon.

“It was only last week that I decided to join this race. I had to rest after the SEA Games,” said Banayag.

“I tried my best to stay close to him (Lagat) but he was just too strong and fast,” said the 29-year-old Sabal.

Rounding up the men’s top 10 were Rogelio Sarmiento (2:32.42), former SEAG gold winner Roy Vence (2:36.39), Kenyan Wilson Songok (2:37.13), Joel Bengtay (2:38.07), Modesto Madalang (2:39.01) and Bernardo Desamito Jr. (2:42:07).

Philip Ronoh of Kenya and Mercedita Manipol of the Philippines shared top honors in the 10 km side event. The 5K winners were Nelbert Ducusin in the men’s side and Bernadette Mag-aso in the women’s.